Even if you have never visited Sydney, I would take a guess that you are familiar with the Sydney Opera House. The Opera House holds centre stage on Sydney Harbour and along with the Sydney Harbour Bridge is recognised worldwide as a symbol of Australia.
Not only is the Sydney Opera House renown for hosting world-class performances within its building, the building itself has become a canvas for Sydney’s light festival Vivid (you can read more about Vivid here).
I was lucky enough to grow up calling Sydney home and have seen many performances in this iconic building. I always feel a sense of occasion when I go to a show at the Opera House. As much as Sydney is a casual city I feel the Opera House demands I put more effort in and get a little dressed up.
Many years ago we attended a performance at the Opera House and at the time access was via a series of backstage areas and corridors. Access had not been a consideration when the Opera House was designed and built.
I’m happy to say that in recent years the Sydney Opera House has undertaken major work to address this need and lift access is now provided throughout the building.
On our recent stay in the city (you can read about our stay at the accessible Radisson Blu Hotel here) we had the opportunity of visiting to check out the changes and attend a performance of The 52 Storey Treehouse. What we were greeted with was a seamless entry to the building. It is hard to believe the lifts were not always there as they blend in so well.
We picked up our tickets and staff were quick to guide us to the theatre entrance with a platform lift.
The platform lift does not take long to climb the stairs but it is important to allow extra time for staff to prepare the lift and assist you to your seat.
BJ was unfazed by the process and as always enjoyed interacting with the staff.
All theatres at the Sydney Opera House have wheelchair accessible seating and a seat beside for a companion. AJ and I were seated just across from the boys.
We thoroughly enjoyed the show and found access a breeze. Just as I believe anyone visiting New York should see a show on Broadway, I think locals and visitors to Sydney should see a show or do a tour of our beautiful Opera House.
I am yet to do an accessible tour of the Opera House but one of our Facebook friends commented recently that the tour is excellent.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing equal access to all. This includes wheelchair access, information regarding access for people with mobility restrictions, audio descriptions for visitors with a vision impairment and sign language and captioning for visitors with a hearing impairment. To learn more about the accessibility services available at the Sydney Opera House please check the website here.
For information regarding wheelchair access please check the Sydney Opera House website for detailed information including the location of disabled toilet facilities. You can read more here.
New Companion Card Priority Booking Line
Patrons holding a NSW companion card can contact the Companion Card priority booking line on 9250 7752 to discuss seating requirements and sales for all events held at Sydney Opera House.
Complimentary Shuttle Bus
Designed for elderly and less mobile customers. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The bus runs between Circular Quay near Stand E (under the Cahill Expressway) and the Vehicle Concourse. Please note that there is no bus service for any theatres on Sunday evenings. You can read more about this service here.
We’d like to thank the Sydney Opera House for providing our tickets to The 52 Storey Treehouse so we could review access for the website.
THE RESIDENT SEAL
If you are visiting the Opera House make sure you keep an eye out for the resident seal. He is totally unfazed by all the cameras and attention.
I definitely think this is one seal who is a bit real estate savvy. Not a bad view from his spot on the steps.
Have you visited the Opera House or dream of doing so?
Don’t forget we’d love you to follow us on Facebook.
If you have a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) I recommend you subscribe to the blog so you never miss a thing.
This is great to hear Julie as years ago when i visited with a friend who has MS, we did feel shunted away and rather like the poor relations. How times have changed, for the better.